In the final chapter of the Gospel of John, we find a moment both tender and profound—Jesus and Peter, face to face, after the resurrection. The setting is simple: a charcoal fire on the shore, a meal shared, and then a conversation that cuts deep into the heart. John 21:17 reads:
“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.’” (NASB)
This verse is a turning point. Just days earlier, Peter had denied Jesus three times while warming himself by another fire, afraid and ashamed. Now, Jesus gives Peter the opportunity to undo each of those denials. Three questions, three affirmations of love, three commands to care for Jesus’ flock. It’s a beautiful act of restoration.
The Grace of Redemption
What strikes us first in this passage is the grace Jesus shows. He doesn’t shame Peter. He doesn’t bring up the denials directly. Instead, He asks a simple, piercing question: “Do you love Me?” Not once, not twice, but three times. It’s not that Jesus doubts Peter’s love—He knows the heart. But He’s inviting Peter into something deeper.
Jesus is gently leading Peter to face his failure—not to wallow in it, but to be healed through it. Each repetition of the question digs deeper, not to hurt Peter, but to rebuild him. It’s as though Jesus is saying, “Let’s rewrite the story of your failure into a story of faithfulness.”
This is the kind of grace only Jesus offers. He doesn’t ignore our past, but He redeems it. He uses the exact moment of our greatest failure as the canvas for our greatest restoration.
Love That Leads to Action
Each time Peter responds with “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You,” Jesus replies with a commission: “Feed My lambs,” “Tend My sheep,” “Feed My sheep.” Love for Jesus isn’t proven merely through words or feelings—it’s shown in action. Jesus is essentially telling Peter: “If you love Me, take care of My people.”
This becomes the mission—not just for Peter, but for every believer. Love for Christ naturally overflows into care for others. We are not just called to believe in Jesus, but to follow Him. And following Him means living out our love by sharing His truth and serving His people.
A Personal Challenge
There’s also something deeply personal in this passage for all of us. How often have we denied Jesus—not necessarily with our words, but through silence, fear, compromise, or apathy? Like Peter, we may feel unworthy to be used by God. But Jesus doesn’t disqualify us. He restores us. He asks us the same question: “Do you love Me?”
And if we say yes, He gives us the same charge: “Then feed My sheep.” Share the gospel. Care for others. Be a witness. Not because we’re perfect, but because we’ve been forgiven. And in that forgiveness, we find our purpose.
Conclusion
John 21:17 is not just the story of Peter’s restoration—it’s a call to every one of us. Jesus knows us. He knows our failures and our fears. But He also calls us to love Him, and through that love, to serve others. It’s grace, and it’s mission. And it all starts with a simple question: “Do you love Me?”
